According to the Maryland Motor Truck Association (MMTA), the FMCSA recently issued new hours of service guidance for drivers who use their commercial motor vehicles for personal use. When this occurs, a driver is required to document such use as off-duty on their record of duty status, regardless of whether that is on a paper or electronic log. FMCSA clarified that the following uses are personal conveyance:
- Traveling from a driver’s lodging (such as a motel or truck stop) to restaurants and entertainment facilities.
- Commuting between the driver’s terminal and his or her residence.
- Time spent traveling to a nearby, reasonable, safe location to obtain required rest after loading or unloading.
For more information and examples of uses that would not qualify as personal conveyance, please visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/personal-conveyance.
